PlayStation’s Creator Backs Sony’s Disc Exit: What Ends in 2028

The man who created the PlayStation has weighed in on one of the most unpopular decisions in its history. Ken Kutaragi, widely known as the “Father of PlayStation”, says Sony is right to stop making PlayStation physical discs for new games. His comments, made at an industry event in the UK this week, have reignited a heated debate among players and pushed his name into search trends in the US, the UK and Australia. With the industry moving toward PS5 digital only releases, here is what is actually ending, what stays the same, and what it means for your game collection.

What Sony Decided, and When

The decision itself is not new. On 1 July 2026, Sony announced that physical game disc production for all new games releasing on PlayStation consoles will be discontinued starting in January 2028, as the official PlayStation Blog post explains. After that date, new games will be sold on the PlayStation Store and at retailers in digital formats only.

Sony described the move as a natural response to how people now buy games, saying digital preference significantly outpaces physical discs. Analysts citing Sony’s own figures estimate that digital sales made up around 85% of PS4 and PS5 full-game sales in the quarter ending March 2026.

What Ken Kutaragi Said

Kutaragi, who led the creation of the first three PlayStation consoles before leaving Sony in 2007, spoke to Video Games Chronicle at the Game Republic New Horizons event in Middlesbrough. He said he understands why fans are upset, but believes keeping discs going no longer makes financial sense.

In his words, physical discs have become a “metaphor” for owning games. He compared the situation to smartphones, where people rarely worry about physical media because they trust their content will stay available. He concluded that he does not think it is “economically reasonable” to keep producing discs, as Video Games Chronicle reported.

It is worth being clear: Kutaragi no longer works at Sony. His comments are personal views, not a Sony announcement, and he did not reveal anything about future hardware such as a PS6.

What Changes in 2028, and What Does Not

Much of the anxiety comes from confusion, so the details matter.

• Existing discs still work. The change is about producing discs for new games. It does not stop a PS5 with a disc drive from reading the discs you already own.
• Older games stay on disc. Games released before January 2028 in disc format are not affected and can continue to be sold physically.
• New games go digital. From January 2028, new releases will be sold as downloads or digital codes, including at physical shops.
• Older stores are closing too. Separately, Sony plans to shut the PlayStation 3 and PS Vita digital storefronts by July 2027. Previously purchased content will stay available to download for the foreseeable future.

Why the reaction has been so strong

For many players, a disc is about more than nostalgia. Physical copies can be lent to friends, resold, traded in and kept even if an account or online service disappears. Digital games are usually licences tied to one account, which gives buyers fewer choices. That is the real heart of the ownership debate, and it is why Kutaragi’s “mentality” comments struck a nerve.

What It Means for Australian Players

Australian gamers have long relied on trade-ins and second-hand bargains at local game shops, and those habits will be hardest hit as new releases go digital. Digital-only also means downloading large games over home internet connections, which can be a real burden in areas with slower speeds or data caps.

There are practical steps worth taking now:

• Decide what you want on disc. If you value physical copies of certain games, buy them before stock dries up.
• Look after your disc drive. A PS5 with a working drive will keep playing your collection.
• Watch digital sales. As discs fade, digital discounts become the main way to save.
• Back up your account security. With more of your library digital, a secure PlayStation account matters more than ever.

If you are planning your next purchases, our guides to Red Dead Redemption 2’s reported PS5 upgrade and this month’s PS Plus games cover what is coming to PlayStation. Our how to secure your PlayStation account guide covers account safety.

The End of an Era, Not of Your Collection

Sony’s move away from discs marks the end of a format that defined PlayStation for three decades. Kutaragi’s support adds weight to the business case, but it does not settle the ownership concerns many players feel. Your existing discs are safe, so the smart move now is to decide which games you want to own physically before 2028 arrives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my PS5 stop playing discs in 2028?

No. The change affects production of discs for new games. Your PS5 disc drive will keep reading the discs it already supports.

Can I still buy physical PS5 games?

Yes, until 2028 for new releases, and games released before then can stay on disc. Availability will depend on retailers.

Is the PS5 Disc Edition still sold?

Yes, for now, alongside the Digital Edition. The 2028 decision affects new game production, not console hardware.

Did Ken Kutaragi announce this?

No. Sony announced the decision in July 2026. Kutaragi, who left Sony in 2007, only shared his views on it this week.